2009 Holden Epica range
16 Jul, 2008
112 Comments 
Holden has refreshed its mid-sized Epica sedan line-up which now offers a new diesel engine, along with a raft of added equipment as standard across the range.
The new CDX and CDXi variants are now available with an economical 2.0-litre diesel engine, while the Epica also becomes one of the first to receive a six-speed automatic transmission in its segment.
Producing 110kW of power and 320Nm, the new diesel engine is certainly a refreshing alternative to the current 115kw 2.5-litre six-cylinder petrol engine on offer.
Fuel consumption is also considerably improved for the diesel, using just 7.6L/100km compared to a staggering 9.3L/100km for the petrol model.
“There’s no doubt that when coupled with our sharp pricing strategy, the new Epica ticks all the right boxes. This is a car that demands attention.”
The additional safety of ESP and curtain airbags have also been included as standard across the range to compliment the existing ABS, Traction Control and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.
The new Epica also receives a few other minor tweaks, which include tilt & telescopic steering, a new grille and rear fascia, European-styled dual flip keys and unique alloy wheels on both the CDX and CDXi variants.
Pricing
- Epica CDX 2.5-litre petrol (6 speed auto) from $27,990
- Epica CDX 2.0-litre diesel (6 speed auto) from $29,990
- Epica CDXi 2.5-litre petrol (6 speed auto) from $30,990
- Epica CDXi 2.0-litre diesel (6 speed auto) from $32,990
- Epica CDXi Optional Leather Pack $2,000
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July 16th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Not such a bad option anymore for those who just need to get from A to B. A diesel and 6-speed, well done Holden!
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July 16th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Nope still woeful. For the same money buy a Hyundai Sonata Diesel.
At least then you’re getting the good quality Korean brand plus the Sonata is better on fuel too.
Not that imposter disguising its poor quality and all-round horribleness behind a formerly trusted Australian name.
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July 16th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Agree Jbot.
If memory serves me correctly 2.5 lire consumption has equaled or bettered this in various road tests unlike many others who fail to meet the makers optimistic predictions.
Six speed auto should improve further.
All the safety fruit standard I think people need to get over their Daewoo phobia. Daewoos have been based on Opel models in the past and now GM owns Daewoo so it is time to move on.
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July 17th, 2008 at 12:18 am
Amazing. They managed to make it look worse than it already does.
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July 17th, 2008 at 1:01 am
It will continue to sell poorly, painfully reminding Holden of the old adage ‘You can’t polish a turd’.
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July 17th, 2008 at 1:07 am
the fuel economy is ridiculous on this car. Event he diesel has the economy of a normal petrol engine for any other engine of a similar size in another brand. 7.6/100 for the diesel? that’s ridiculous.
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July 17th, 2008 at 1:29 am
A REBADGE DAEWOO YUKKKKKKKK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holden should bite the bullit and let this horrible episode go, no need to keep your tail between broken legs.
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July 17th, 2008 at 1:46 am
Realcars, who cares about small improvements with fuel consumption, when you see the bigger picture, particular this Korean model and others is a pathetic effort from a global company who is going bankrupt because of stupid long term decisions..
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July 17th, 2008 at 1:55 am
This is probably the poorest of the midsize sedans, being that this 2.5L 6 cylindar engine that only produces 115kw and uses a completely overly excessive 9.3L/100km. The Sonata has a 127kw 2.4L 4 cylindar and uses 8.4L.
It’s just rediculous why someone would buy the petrol version of this. Even the diesel could be better.
Isn’t this Epica *cough*Tosca*cough* the least powerful in its class?
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July 17th, 2008 at 5:04 am
yeah it might not look that nice or go that good (still looks better than any shitty toyota though), but i recon this car is was just made to shut some ppl up & to temporarily fill up the gap that the vectra left.
All i can say is that i cant wait till the insignia comes, then mid-sized car market will have some serious competision. im pretty sure u guys already know what it looks like, and some of its spec, but damn its a pretty car.
So dnt expect the epica to be around for too long anymore. it should soon be replaced by the insignia (NEW VECTRA) or whatever holden decide to name it.
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July 17th, 2008 at 5:57 am
wow its actually uglier.cheapoer grill and tailights.when mazda 6 costs this much.id even get a camry
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July 17th, 2008 at 7:20 am
I’d still rather spend the extra $5k and get the mondeo tdci, which is more fuel efficient, larger, nicer, and quite nice looking. Even if I had to start skipping meals to afford it.
and mondeo bet epica to a six-speed auto by around a year, so its not one of the first, its at very best second.
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July 17th, 2008 at 8:08 am
oh what a feeling - i actually read the wheels article too that said wheels would take the epica over the camry.. sorry mate but it’s true.
Still doesn’t make the epica a particularly good car mind you, but atleast the diesel and 6 speed auto probably makes it passable.
I find it funny how people are saying OMG KOREAN CRAP but in the next breath say the hyundai sonata is better… isn’t hyundai korean too??? oh well never mind!
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July 17th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Do any of you people know what you are talking about. Sure this is a Daewoo and doesn’t look as good as the oposition but it is a good reliable cheap alternative. 37 sold last month, hello, they were run out at 25990 drive away. Holden didn’t have any left in the country to sell. They could even sell more Barina’s if they could get supply. I couldn’t even find one in a dealership to look at. My new gripe with the update is where is the manual, not everyone wants an automatic.
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July 17th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Ok, it’s a minor update and yes it’s still a sub standard car for Holden to be offering. BUT, lets give some credit where it’s due. They’ve dumped the woeful 2.0 six and now only offer the 2.5 as standard. They’ve improved the safety significantly and added better trannies and a new diesel which will overcome most of the criticisms of the gutless petrol.
So with the limited opportunity by a minor update they’ve done quite a lot. The biggest problem I see is that they now cost as much as a the newly repriced Mazda 6 which means any right minded person wouldn’t look at one sideways.
But, it IS a better car than it was.
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July 17th, 2008 at 8:56 am
It amazes me that all these arm chair motorists that post here seem to think they know everything.
Yes, 37 was a poor result for Epica last month, But Holden was clearing out the last of the 2007 Epica, and they skipped importing the MY08 so that they could bring in the much better MY09, hence no stock and low sales.
Now you can all go back to driving the only thing you know how to, your mouse.
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July 17th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Mike I dont know how 43 in May and 37 in june is exactly a run out?
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July 17th, 2008 at 10:01 am
The Epica has a marketing problem rather than a technical fault. Holden is still way too strongly skewed towards the Commodore. Whilst it is a fine car, it’s difficult to compete when your average customer associates your car brand to just one vehicle. People who buy medium cars probably don’t even have Holden on their shopping list
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July 17th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Good move for Holden, pity about the actual car though. Given a country run this hould do 5.6’s like the Vectras/Mondeos I regularly drive here. Indeed a 950 Km run yesterday the 2.0TDCI Mondeo I drove did 5.7’s at 130Kmh, The Vectras does 5.6’s. Fact.
Wheres Toyotas diesel family car in Australia. Oh yeh they don’t have one do they
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July 17th, 2008 at 11:36 am
I would personally take this over the Camry. Better fuel economy, 6-speed auto, a diesel choice, its cheaper and Imo better looking. That said I would take the Mazda6 or Honda Accord Euro before this.
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July 17th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Yuk. Will stick to my Territory AWD.
Epi’s’ca Every Piece Is ‘S’till Coming Apart!
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July 17th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Since when is the Territory a mid size sedan? Hardly comparable.
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July 17th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
About as meaningful as putting anything out on the Epica at all. Who cares about the boring bubble car!
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July 17th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
I don’t think Insignia will come here.
Epica is still going to struggle. It will not be able to take the fight up to Mondeo, 6, Accord Euro etc.
It will still sit below the benchmark when it comes to safety at this price range. The Mondeo set the bar high with 7 airbags accross the range starting from $29990, amongst the other safety gear.
It’s also silly to have a 6cyl engine in it with no choice of a petrol 4cyl. This is where it will fail..
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July 17th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Yes, but the 6 cyl engine has barely more capacity than your average large 4 cyl engine in this class. At the very least, it should be as smooth as a sewing machine.
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July 17th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
People say they would take this over a Camry.
But if I had to choose between those two… I would rather not drive
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July 17th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Don’t confuse Daewoo, with the big H, Daewoo went bust selling bottom feeders like this, barina and viva. They have improved it, 6 speed and the diesel, ESP, give credit where its due…but…its still a bloody old car in real terms, dont jump on the six speed too early, the last one was…well …shall we say busy
Its competing with the 6, mondeo and accord, I know what I would prefer to be driving and reselling in 2 or 3 years, also the worry that it does not have long for this world would really put me off! Nobody wants an orphan. Wonder if it has a foot rest now 
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July 17th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
The Axe: “don’t think Insignia will come here.”
No .. please say that is just a guess??? I know they are having problems with delays in UK (now not due till Q1 2009), but why wouldn’t they eventually replace the Vectra with it? The Insignia is such a beautiful looking car and the interiors look gorgeous. Can’t wait to see what the UK reviewers make of it once they finally get to drive it.
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July 17th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Oh my goodness, “This is a car that demands attention”. Demands hey? In the same way that dog crap demands your attention when you walk on someone else’s carpet?!?!
Its plain, boring, a Daewoo… but it now has a Diesel! Yay! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
If you want a classy car in the mid-large size market there is only one car that combines style, euro looks, great safety, a Diesel, poise… buy a Mondeo. If you want something that is boring, good build quality, reliable, and harsh to drive in NSW buy a Camry.
But please, oh please Mr Holden don’t give us the dribble about your Daewoo being able to mix it in this class, cause it just cant!
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July 17th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
“the new Epica ticks all the right boxes”
Better add this to my long list of classic retarded Holden statements. The only box this car ticks is the “Sh*te, don’t buy box”.
“Yes, 37 was a poor result for Epica last month, But Holden was clearing out the last of the 2007 Epica, and they skipped importing the MY08 so that they could bring in the much better MY09, hence no stock and low sales.”
Yeah right, in the last financial year there were 3344 Epica’s sold. Its peak being Aug 2007 (513). This car is a total failure and the sales reflect this. Holden claimed the Vectra wasn’t working and didn’t sell, but yet it sold over 600 per month. So what must they make of a replacement which averages on 278 per month. Its time of Holden to accept this and change its policy on euro imports and bring on the Insignia. No amount of Epica updates are going to change is lack of sales appeal. Its time for the Epica to be given the Epic Flick!
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July 17th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Holden doesn’t seem to care that these crap Daewoos have cheapen the image of the brand even further into disgrace. using ancient 11 year old Daewoo models make me sick, Who does Holden think they’re fooling? GM should have had the sense to market these under a different brand here…
I’m sorry but this Korean taxi Crapica is rubbish…Holden wake up and smell the roses..
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July 17th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Give me a beautiful black Ford Mondeo anyday, geeeee it makes me feel much better saying that, just thinking about people buying a rebadged Daewoo gives me a headache..
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July 17th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Why not by a Kia Magentis if you want a Korean mid-size car? Its better in every way then the Epica.
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July 17th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Why in the world would anyone buy this? It makes me angry that Holden sell Daewoo crap to us as a Holden and people trust the badge.
I’m surprised Holden didn’t lower the price to make it more competitive since it obviously isn’t selling very well.
I hope these crap cars don’t sell at all so Holden gets is that people aren’t as dumb as they think and they actually want quality cars at a decent price. Bring back the European Vectra/Insigmia and the Corsa/Barina even if it costs a few grand more.
For a couple of grand more you have the option of a Mazda 6, Honda Accord and Ford Mondeo as a petrol alternative, so why anyone would buy this is beyond me.
The only edge it has is the Diesel option but it looks like its fuel economy isn’t that great though at 7.6L/100km and reliability yet to be proven.
Who ever has 30 grand to spend on a diesel medium family car I suggest you save for another year or two and purchase the real deal like the Mondeo and Jetta.
Also, did anyone find this quote funny?
“There’s no doubt that when coupled with our sharp pricing strategy, the new Epica ticks all the right boxes. This is a car that demands attention.”
Yeah, it deserves attention just not for the reasons you want it to.
Cheers
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July 17th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I agree Yianni, this quote is way off topic >>>> “There’s no doubt that when coupled with our sharp pricing strategy, the new Epica ticks all the right boxes. This is a car that demands attention.” lol hahahahahaha reminded me of sleezy car dealers trying to sell a crap Daewoo product coupled with unbelievably high pricing for a 11 year old Korean taxi model > hmmmmmmmm thats like getting away with murder..
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July 17th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
“There’s no doubt that when coupled with our sharp pricing strategy, the new Epica ticks all the right boxes. This is a car that demands attention.”
yeah…from the Holden warranty team…RACQ roadside assist and people who have been dazzled with the great refinement and quality of their Kia Spectra’s.
Holden doesnt need a mid sized car…just bring out another c’dore variant (Torana) and they’ll sell plenty (Crewman any one?).
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July 17th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
I WANT ONE!!!!!!!
;O) HEHE
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July 17th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Good on yah CA for deleting 15 plus comments from you know who.
Problem is Freddy the Vectrs will tread cost wise straight on the Commodors toes and will have people here say “its too pricey for what it is”.
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July 17th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
TOOOOOOOOOOOOOO RIGHT NAME NAME
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July 17th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Freddy, I’m just speculating because of potential cost re the Insignia. I think it is a beautiful car, but considering Holdens failure with the Vectra, they may have doubts unless it can be priced and more importantly, specced competitively like the Mondeo, 6 etc.
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July 17th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
No Name Says:
July 17th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Good on yah CA for deleting 15 plus comments from you know who.
Problem is Freddy the Vectrs will tread cost wise straight on the Commodors toes and will have people here say “its too pricey for what it is”.
You have a point there. But clearly people aren’t dumb since they aren’t buying this crap.
37 Epica’s sold last month even at a runaway price of 26 grand? Does Holden really expect to sell more because they added a few extras to this so called face lift model?
If I remember correctly the Vectra was much cheaper compared to the Commodore when it was around and I’m sure it did better compared to the Epica is doing even at a much lower price.
The last Vectra sold was in 2005 and had a starting price of 25 Grand for the 2.2 Litre.
http://www.redbookasiapacific......p?id=65949
At the end of the day Holden should just get rid of the crappy Barina, Viva and Epica and build some decent cars or continue to import the Opel’s from the past even if the prices are a little higher compared to these Daewoos.
Holden is digging a hole for themselves since these Daewoo crap cars will fall apart in the near future and those buyers will NEVER buy another Holden again or recommend the brand. Word does get around ya know Holden… Can anyone say Mitsubishi Magna?
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July 17th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Return of the EPICrap!!!
Still crap. Holden you’re a joke. Stop fooling us your your all-Aussie marketing and deal with the facts, you’re a big time sell out.
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July 17th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
2009 Epica! There’s already one at my local Holden dealer. It must be a demo. Took a 06 Holden Epica for a test drive and I was quite surprized. It’s a very refined car and quite comfortable. The main downside is that some of the interior plastics look and feel cheap.
I then drove a Toyota Altise Camry and its of course alot roomier and has got better quality. The Epica would do better if it sold for less.
Though the camry is far from perfect too. The rear shelving (behind the heads of rear occupants) of the car is entirely made from plastic (feels cheap and imagine it in the sun it would sorta bleach it and break apart) probably the same in the Aurion I guess. Not like the commodore’s which is actual real carpet (same as falcon). And another one the boot is horrible to open and close, hinges intrude not like the commodore’s good gas lifts. The 2 keys should be in one. And when you push the horn button on the key it is TOO BLOODY loud! Oh! another one also is that you can not bring the centre seat down for a armrest (as I know). And the last one is there is no rear door pockets and no storage area below where the rear air con comes out.
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July 17th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
7.6 for diesel on a medium car?? sounds pretty woeful.
Sounds like a real gap filler in Holdens range of cars, perhaps Holden is getting nice kickbacks umm benefits from the Korean branch of GM.
I agree with someone, Holden is very synonymous with the Commodore, they are relying on this sales for their life.
Perhaps they should junk every model and just concentrate on making just a commodore with many variances???
The people who buy this car are the people who have holden in the back of the mind oblivious of everything else, and are looking for something in this particular type range, I’ve known a few people like that, that wont try other car makes before they buy.
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July 17th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz………
Can’t change what is already a rubbish car Holden.
Holden desperately need to shed this cheap Korean path they have chosen. It was meant to fill the Holden balance sheets full of sales, but in actual fact the opposite has happened. Holden, take us all for granted selling cheap inferior Korean product thinking we don’t know what Quality is. Too bad for them it seems we do & sales no matter how much spin anyone tries to put on it prove it.
Car-Enthusiast, you speak like you know for sure the Insignia is coming here. Please let us know your source, because I for one want to see the new Insignia here in Australia. Holden will need to start selling more (read new Astra & Insignia) well made safe cars again soon to save themselves from their sad sliding reputation for cheap cars.
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July 17th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Oh and to add to some other things that are annoying about the camry is the centre console is too bright when lights are turned on at night.
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July 17th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
It’s a shame GM have a number of way worthier midsize cars than this. They could have easily gotten the Chevy Malibu, Pontiac G6 or Saturn Aura. Some of them also have hybrid versions and with Holden’s so-called pursuit of greener cars, GM America could simply make mirror images of these to be sold here, as a way of saying thank you for the Omega-priced Commodore SS equivalent (Pontiac G8) exported there.
It may also be that the Insignia would sell at a higher price, but to match up with the likes of Mondeo is a good thing.
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July 17th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Holden can only rely on the (I don’t care what I drive) older senior buyer to purchase this hopeless Daewoo, I can’t think of anyone dumber or arrogant enough to be even seen in one, there is no solid future as the country tighten’s it grip on economics, poor management and a governmet who can’t even support our pensioners properly is the main reason discounted cheap N nasty Epicrap, Barina, Viva, Craptiva will struggle 4 a long time here..
More people I know are now looking for safe quality products not a Northern Warehouse $2.00 shop image…
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July 17th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Agree Richo have seen these on the road and don’t look any worse than most other offerings in this class.
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July 17th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Are you for real Realcars “Agree Richo have seen these on the road and don’t look any worse than most other offerings in this class.”
Oh man, we must be driving mad naive people to read this little statement, I feel Hoodwinked by Daewoo propaganda..
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July 17th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
I’m not a fan of average Korean made cars, but I can bet 99% of the people making comments about the Epica haven’t driven or owned one.
Would love to hear from someone who actually owns one.
There are plenty of lemon Commodores, Falcons, Territorys, Crewmans out there that don’t get as much of a hard time as a rebadged Daewoo that will probably worth more in 3 years time than a VE of FG…
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July 17th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
If i was going to sink this low to buy this crap daewoo i would rather buy the hyundi as its much better than daewoo if i had to get korean car that is
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July 17th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
at least hyundai doesnt take its buyers for granted i mean look at the genesis n the USA they are saying that it is a genuie competititor and for 38k for the V8 i would be saying that aswell.The i30 is such a great lkittle car [exceptin base model i have a thing against cars with black door handles].
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July 17th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
The problem with the Insignia is that it is even bigger than a Mondeo. Reports say that a cut down Insignia platform will go to GM/Daewoo to form the basis of the replacement.
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July 17th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
The petrol is rubbish. Slow, gutless and thirsty.
But, & I dont believe i’m saying this about a Daewoo Tosca the diesel kind of makes sense.
its cheapish, has got enough torque and uses fuel as if its all about to runout.
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July 17th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
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July 17th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Pablo what are you on….”ALL” EPICAS are RUBBISH!
You hit the nail right on the head Sitfire!
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July 17th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
And you also “can’t make honey with flies.”
Daewoo fails everyone who enjoys driving great vehicles, but will keep the Holden brand lover only satisfied with “NO FRILLS” motoring…
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July 17th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Hey Westy, When did you last drive one?
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July 17th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
So we all hate the Epica.LOL.
Between the Camry and Epica the numbers are close on all counts except price. Epica is subtantially cheaper if u opt a Camry up to Epica standard spec.
IMO the Epica styling is better than some.
Reliabilty durability well that remains to be seen.
Plenty of 10 year old Daewoos running around. If they were such unreliable heaps of shit given their new price they would have been scrapped by now.Knew a guy with an Espero and only prob was the regulator on the alternator failing a couple of times over the years(similar to same prob in old magnas were alternator close to exhaust manifold. Neighbour had an early Nubira for about 8 years and covered 140,000klms with only a niggly electrical fault to do with the radio and dash lighting that was resolved eventually due to a wire earthing.
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July 17th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
it’s interesting to note after following the caradvice website for a while it tends to be the usual suspects who are against it and the few people on here who actually appear to know what they are talking about are actually saying “hey its not a great car but its also not all thaaat bad”
just an interesting observation
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July 17th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Duck “…Oh! another one also is that you can not bring the centre seat down for a armrest (as I know). And the last one is there is no rear door pockets and no storage area below where the rear air con comes out.
…”
Serious? - My aurion comes with all that as standard except that extra tiny storage below the rear air vents.
Seems the Camry is really a cut down here in Australia.
Richo - Noticed it as well, especially in the Toyota vs Ford debates in various article comments lol, same ol same ol. Oh well this article will die out and people move on to the next…
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July 17th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
The best thing is Richo, all these people bag the car without ever driving the thing! How can you bag a car like many do without first driving the thing?? TRDs are another great example. It continues to surprise me how many people chip in with more than “looks bad” or “adding diesel is a good move” without even driving the car…
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July 17th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
I agree Richo, its not that bad, but then again, its not that good either. Pablo when was the last time you drove one of these?
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July 17th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
WTF !!!!!!!!, are we on the same page here or is there people around the table who genuinely feel sorry for our spiraling sale’s, out of touch company called GM OPEL DAEWOO HOLDEN..
GM Holden means more to Korean slave labour !!!!!!
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July 17th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Note to Holden - give it up. The vitriol being directed towards the Crapica from all qurters in this blog should be enough for even your most thick-headed executives to realise it is a LOST LOST cause. Bring on the AWD and FWD Insignia and all will be forgiven. Please please PLEASE.
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July 17th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Silky, I haven’t driven one, so I don’t feel justified in bagging the shit out of it like most on here.
AGAIN, WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM SOMEONE WHO OWNS ONE TO GET AN ACCURATE OPINION…
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July 18th, 2008 at 1:54 am
Pablo i’ve driven one, they’re crap. Gutless, rattles, average handling, and it was an 06 model 2.0 litre 6 with 45000 kms on the clock, sold it for $13000 6 months ago. i worked at a car yard and the only reason we got it was we needed some stock. No VE or FG will depriciate like a korean made car.
You couldnt pay me enough to own it. Camry is a far, far, far better buy.
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July 18th, 2008 at 2:02 am
The accurate Question is Pablo, who would want to own a Korean product that is so hated, even Holden fans hate it, does the Crapica light your fire, lacklustre reviews, and dismal news does put alot of people off…
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July 18th, 2008 at 7:35 am
Don’t forget the type of people buying this car won’t have heard of CarAdvice or Wheels though.
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July 18th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Pablo,
No I haven’t driven one. Don’t want to and don’t care to even look at one. Have you driven a Commodore, a Falcon, a Territory etc which you bagged earlier ? They are light years ahead of this Korean jobbie. Light years!
WESTY
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July 18th, 2008 at 9:50 am
i think my point has just been proven!!!
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July 18th, 2008 at 9:56 am
IT’S REAL EASY.DIESEL EPICA=REPMOBILE.STATE AND PRIVATE BUYERS.TRYING TO OUT CAMRY A CAMRY(BIG FLEET SELLER).IF YOUR A DRIVER,STAY AWAY.BUY A HONDA EURO,MAZDA 6,COMMODORE SV6…ANYTHING ELSE.IF YOU WANT A QUIET,CHEAP A 2 B CAR,AND DIESEL FITS THE BILL,WELL…..
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July 18th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Glen, Fair point.
Just wanted to hear from someone who has experienced one.
Holden will no doubt drop the Epica if sales figures are crap. Goes the same for Barina, Viva & maybe Captiva.
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July 18th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
When will you review one CarAdvice?
If the mere mention of an update causes this many comments I wonder what an actual review would do!
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July 18th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
If an owner of one of these pieces of crap parked it in an area full of true red-blooded Holden fans, they’d rip the Holden badges of it as they would consider it sacrilege to put their beloved symbol on such a piece of shit. While my blood runs blue I can see their point.
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July 18th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
A review will not change perceptions here, the scar is very deep and sadly be so hard for Gm Daewoo Holden to heal such a big merit deprived blow..
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July 18th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
AC COBRA - the scar is only deep on the faces of small minded wankers. Most of the rest of the car buying public look past past badge perceptions and judge a car on what it is. How else do you explain so many hyundai’s and kia’s being sold despite past crimes against the automtive world? You lot just need to open your minds a little, even the motoring experts say the epica isn’t all that bad, its only mindless wankers on these forums who do that. Yes they haven’t sold many, but they have also had supply issues due to the fact they skipped the 2008 model year to go straight from 07 stock to the 09 model as seen here. Most of the toolbags on this forum though just convieniantly ignore this fact (doesn’t support their argument).
I’m not an advocate of the epica, nor am i intending on ever buying one, but they are no where near as bad as you lot are making out, and for the average aussie family buyer they will make a perfectly acceptable alternative to the likes of the hyundai sonata, kia magentis and toyota camry, even if it does have the polish of a mazda 6, honda accord or ford mondeo.
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July 18th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
even if it doesN’T have the polish of the mazda 6, honda accord or ford mondeo is what i meant to say
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July 18th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
hmmm I’m now kicking myself for getting the TDCi Mondeo if I was not to loose too much on a trade in I would get this fantastic GM product as GM said “The Mondeo Is Overpriced” I should have listened
laurie
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July 18th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Finally the nerve centre has struck a chord, the bottom line is this car is below standard against a relatively much better competition or medium class vehicle, Epica has been out long enough for the majority to grasp some logic not to just buy Daewoo Holden because it has a Holden badge, I have and will convince as many people I know not to buy Epica and all daewoo platform models, as for the dismal sale’s figure, wishing to believe you that supply is down but demand is high, please prove this statement I like to read facts not fiction..
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July 18th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
why do i need to prove it AC? who really gives two sh1ts? well you obviously, but besides you? You do realise that all future GM daeweoo products will actually be built off GM platforms, not daewoo platforms. The next epica will be built off the insignia platform, the next viva off the next astra’s platform, and the next barina off the next opel corsa platform. So what are you really proving by running around like a big self appointed hero convincing people not to buy holden? Well besides proving your a wanker with too much time on his hands?
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July 18th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
I wonder AC, when your running around pleading with people who don’t really give a sh1t in the first place for them not to buy holden/daewoo’s.. do you have tears in your eyes? are you really that upset by all of this? Holden are a company, trying to make a profit. If YOU don’t like it, then YOU don’t buy it! It’s not like this evil conglomeration are out trying to trick people into buying crap cars, people have freedom of choice in this country to buy whatever they damn well want! Hyundai excels where sold by the ship load despite the horribleness!
Holden even offered a money back guarantee when the epica was first released! NO SH1T! They actually would take the car back and give you your money back in full if after 5,000km’s you where satisfied with your epica! Damn those evil bastards trying to trick people!! Obviously the car suddenly changes it’s stripes and starts being crap just after 5,000km’s then and thats why no one took them back! No wonder your in tears AC…
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July 18th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Richo,
Fortunately all us ‘Toolbags’ can have our own opinion. You have your opinion as condascending as it is and we all have ours. If you don’t agree then so be it. But no need to get in a hissy fit because of it. I don’t like the car and I have said so as have many others. You are in the minority.
WESTY
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July 18th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Westy, and all you blokes aren’t having a hissy fit at holden? So all you guys get to have a hissy fit about the fact you don’t like holden but i don’t get to have a hissy fit too? And mate if you can’t stand the heat then get out of the kitchen… i’m only calling people “toolbags” when they act like tools and go on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on like a broken bloody record about daewoo’s… seriously everyone else on this site are over it!
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July 18th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Right on WESTY,,
HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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July 18th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
and westy don’t go thinking you in the majority either mate.. if you go back through all of the anti-holden threads on this website you will see that its the same old names popping up over and over again! There is a large number of people who frequent this website pretty much solely to find articles on holden that they can carry on like pork chops about!
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July 18th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
couldn’t think of a come back eh AC? oh well, i’ll move on then
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July 18th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
ahh fine i’ll appologise for carry on a bit about all of this, i’m just getting a little sick of the continual anti-holden crap that continually circulates these forums. It’s the same old boring and tiresome arguments coming up over and over again and i am absolutely 100% sure i’m not the only person getting sick of it. Thats the only reason i lashed out. If you really where offended AC or westy then i’m sorry but at the end of the day, its just an interent site, and yeah i know i should say that to myself too sometimes!
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July 18th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Richo Says:
July 18th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
ahh fine i’ll appologise for carry on a bit about all of this, i’m just getting a little sick of the continual anti-holden crap that continually circulates these forums.
Personally I feel it has nothing to do with Holden.
If any manufacturer came out with a car like this they would get bagged and their reputation would be shot for a very very long time.
Didn’t Hyundai get bagged with the Excel? Didn’t Mitsubishi get bagged with the early model Magnas?
Hyundai is just getting over that cheap and nasty image and Mitsubishi couldn’t overcome it even though the 380 was a great car. Too many people got stung with early model Magnas. Hell every single one I see puffs smoke and the engine sounds like its ready to blow up. This is for
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July 18th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
alot of it is over the top bullsh1t tho Yianni and what is wrong with standing up against that? My parents actually owned an early model magna and found it to be a significantly better car then the 94 model camry they replaced it with! As for them all puffing smoke, well most cars from the ’80’s are puffing smoke these days, even my poor long suffering ‘89 nissan patrol! Geez it’s a bloody good old bitch though that patrol.. if anyone is every thinking about buying a GQ patrol, just do it!
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July 18th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
but my point still remains though, if someone wants to buy a certain car, regardless of what you may personally think about it, do they really deserve to be ridiculed over it? Statements like “anyone who buys one of these over a mazda 6 is insane” implies that anyone who buys an epica deserves to be ridiculed and i don’t accept that.
Just think about how you would feel if someone sat you down at a BBQ and started at you about how the car you bought is crap and you must be some kind of an idiot for buying it…
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July 18th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Well said Richo. Remember the money back deal u mention.
And Glen the 2litre is a four cylinder and the 2.5 litre is a six cylinder and is a porsche designed straight six.
Everybody talks resale and how Korean cars depreciate. Hey they are cheaper to start with and besides if u are worried about resale don’t buy a brand new car it’s that simple. If u buy “any” new car and trade it every three or four years you are going to loose a lot of value.
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July 18th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
your right realcars, it is a porsche engine, although i will just correct you that the 2.0ltr was also a 6, not a 4, but otherwise your spot on
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July 18th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Richo,
I will keep it simple and my last reply. All I said is I don’t like the Epica! No mention of OTHER holden brands. The Epica mate. It’s that simple. I don’t like it. That’s it, I can say no more! I like to be able to comment in a free for all forum and will continue to do so at Car Advice. I can stand more heat than you have given out as it would take a lot more than that to ruffle my feathers.
The great thing about life is people have their own opinions. I own a Territory AWD. Have had zero issues with it after owning it for 12 months and 27000 kays. I have Holden friends, Toyota friends etc that say oh that is such a piece of shite. I also get people who like it as well. I don’t take it to heart as I love the car. If I choose to say I dislike the Epica or any other car I reserve the right to do so. It’s my opinion.
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July 18th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
The engines are built by GM Daewoo, they were only designed by Porsche, all in all not making them ground breaking as it shows with output performance figures indicating below par.
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July 18th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Hyunday Excel? What is wrong with Excel..? This car is extremely reliable. I have owned this car for 10 years and done 250,000 km..Besides routine maintenance, I have had any problem !!!!
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July 18th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
to be fair though Westy, i wasn’t talking to you was i? I was talking to AC, you just chose to stick your nose in. But anyway i take your point, and i wasn’t really refering to you when i was talking about the people on here who just trawl for holden threads to go on and on about. As a regular visiter to this site which i know you to be, i’m sure you too would have seen this problem before. I have seen sites about the commodore being overtaken by daewoo bashing! I’ve never seen the commodore being made by daewoo before…
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July 18th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
on this site you can be guaranteed of one thing, and thats that if there is a holden thread it will be spammed up with daewoo bashing. Well that and the guarantee that any ford write up on this site will be massively glowing… but the constant holden bashing bit does get very tiring westy, i’m sure you can agree
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July 18th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Richo I believe it was 1500kms or a month and you had to have purchased a vehicle of the same or greater value. Now in all fairness, that means you would have to have financed TWO cars to get rid of the Epica, don’t see most people being able to do that mate.
I have driven one, the rattles were there(ok, in good company there) the dash was loose, yes, actually loose. On the flats it was okay, motor was quite, not much power but then it wasnt built for that,. However, on the hills the tranny just didnt know wtf was happening, up, down, up baaaa.
Also importantly, if its a family car, go plump ya butt in the back, that tunnel running through really makes this a four seater only. Fuel economy wasn’t bad, tho with this sorta performance its never gonna be an issue.
Each to their own though.
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July 18th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Silky, I forget the details but it was quite fair. You had to provide evidence of purchasing a comparable car, there was no need to buy the other car first. I think you had 30 days to provide this. But what it boiled down to was you could easily put a small deposit on another car, drive your Epica back to the dealer with your receipt and get your money back to finance the replacement.
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July 18th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Hello gifted, perhaps I’m wrong, but I believe you MUST have purchased a replacement vehicle; I offer the following link.
www.caradvice.com.au/2531/hold.....f-you-can/
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July 18th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
As it said - “The Customer must provide proof of purchase of a new (not used) motor vehicle of equal or greater value than that appearing on the original final purchase invoice for the Vehicle (Epica)”
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July 18th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Don’t forget, you drive your epica back, hand it over, and then wait for Holden to refund you, I dont know, 7 days, a month?? In the meantime you don’t have a car, the other dealer sure isn’t going to give you the new one until they receive payment…do they refund the stamps, I wouldn’t imagine they do…if you financed it, Holden does not pay you back the money, that goes to the finance company who financed it initially, thats right, you have to organize a new finance contract on the other car…when you think about this and the market it was targeting, very unlikely to happen.
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July 18th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Richo,
Sounds like it’s all good then. Nice banter in the end. Yes I really enjoy CarAdvice and I have seen you many a time too. I don’t always write something but I enjoy all the comments nonetheless. I agree that even commenting is good. Holden have some good stuff. Ford have some good stuff. So do Toyota and the others. Look forward to seeing you around future threads mate.
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July 19th, 2008 at 12:15 am
ZOMG its a Porsche engine and its Holden. GODS GIFT TO THE WORLD!
EPICrap!!!
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July 19th, 2008 at 12:56 am
Australian Car Advice should change it’s title to Australian Car Bullsh*t
This site attracts no other audience then the same ‘ole monkeys saying the same ole thing.
The Australian population stands at about 21 million and how many different people visit this nut case site, 10 at the most !!
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July 19th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Site For Monkeys Only Says:
July 19th, 2008 at 12:56 am
Australian Car Advice should change it’s title to Australian Car Bullsh*t
This site attracts no other audience then the same ‘ole monkeys saying the same ole thing.
The Australian population stands at about 21 million and how many different people visit this nut case site, 10 at the most !!
Those same old monkeys must know something then.
Out of the 21 million people how many Epicas were sold last month? Was it 37? I cant be bothered looking up the figures in all these posts now.
In it’s category I have no doubt it was the least selling car. Maybe someone can pull up some figures to back that up. Didnt the Mazda 6 sell something like 9500 something last month? That should tell you something.
I have no problem praising a car but its if total crap then it will receive crap comments like the Epica has done in this topic. That’s the way it goes.
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July 19th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Get a life Yianni. If you don’t like the site then don’t come here. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with CarAdvice. It’s actually very informative and open for rants and raves. The site owners get to drive some of the cars and give their own reviews, which we can agree or disagree on due to difference in opinions (or similarity thereof). But don’t barge in and make derogatory, baseless comments. If you have problems with the cars, go ahead and say what you feel, but if you hate the website, go talk to the people concerned or simply surf elsewhere.
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July 19th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Yianni was quoting the guy above him and actually defending the site Al
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July 25th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I am flabbergasted at the comments from the lunchroom “experts”. One has to read between the BS to find the genuine car admirers. A survey of many of these “experts” would reveal how many actually drove or rode in or even looked up close of a vehicle in question. Very few I think. Don’t take this personally but if it is not newsworthy to the real car world of admirers stop clogging up the system with winging and whyning about something you do not have the knowledge. Why not phone ypur friends with your personal conversations and make way for car enthusiasts.
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July 26th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Onka plugo sha truni vaf ki nong nunga… Like the Holden Epica just does not make sense, but if you like it buy it, after all its your Finance Company money, and you will lose $10000 resale value + interest in the first year just to get from point A to Point B….Really The only people who would buy Epica would be Collingwood Football Club Supporters because they know no better..
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